Teenager arrested for planning an attack on Pope Francis: ISIS used social media to radicalise the boy

A teenager inspired by ISIS arrested for planning an attack on Pope Francis during his upcoming visit to the U.S.

According to details, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested a 15-year-old boy just outside Philadelphia in August who was allegedly planning to launch an “Islamic State-inspired attack against Pope Francis” during his visit to the United States. Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the U.S. on September 22, when he will arrive in Washington.

According to the officials, the youngster was arrested silently last month. The arrested boy was imparted radicalism by ISIS through social media. Social media has been repeatedly and effectively used by ISIS in the US on many occasions in the past.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security bulletin, “The minor was inspired by ISIS and sought to conduct a detailed homeland attack which included multiple attackers, firearms, and multiple explosives, targeting a foreign dignitary at a high-profile event.”

According to media sources, the “foreign dignitary” referred to is the Pope Francis who is scheduled to visit Philadelphia later this month. Moreover, explosives instructions were found from him, which he planned to share with others through social media.

Furthermore, media reports that the boy has been indicted of attempting to provide material support to a terrorist organisation and attempting to provide material support to terrorist activity.

The FBI-DHS intelligence bulletin stated that, “This, among other cases, “demonstrates that some youth are vulnerable to messaging from ISIS] supporters. Their “innovative use of social media and messaging has played a key role in motivating young US based males and females to travel to join the self-declared Islamic State or allegedly attempt to conduct attacks in the Homeland on behalf of” ISIS.

These incidents also show that some US-based youth are willing to connect over social media with like-minded persons, and have proven adept at obfuscating such social media usage from their parents and guardians.”